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Monday, March 11, 2013

Girl Friday Sews & a Giveaway

I am addicted to office supplies. Something inside me does a happy dance every time I walk
through the store and look at all those color coordinated paper clips, thumb
tacks, and rubber bands. I love filling my cart with spiral notebooks and file
folders, and every year I need a new day planner…or two. It’s not a recent addiction. Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve
been excited about the start of each school year. To me, it meant new faces in
the classroom, new books to read, and new worlds to conquer. That stack of
supplies waiting by the door for the first day of school to arrive was a
reminder that I was getting another fresh start, and I loved it.

When I became a teacher, my favorite part of the job every
year was getting my classroom ready for the kids. I absolutely loved creating
an environment where they would be excited to learn and grow. My advice to new
teachers was always the same: “You’re going to spend as much time here as
you’ll spend in your own home, so make it a place where you feel comfortable.”
And as I started adding more personal touches to my classroom, I realized that
it made my students more comfortable too. The same was true later on when I had an administrative office. I dressed mine up with retro touches -- WWII era posters, a CD player made to look like a vintage radio, an old fashioned coat rack in the corner -- and people often told me it was the most welcoming room in the building.

Now that I’m a stay-at-home mom starting the process of
homeschooling my three daughters, I’ve found that it works both ways. Just as I
once tried to bring the comforts of home into my workplace, I’m now trying to
make my home into an environment where productive learning is happening every day. Creating
school supplies for my girls not only gives me a personal connection to their
education, but it makes them feel special.There’s nothing my daughters love more than using something that Mommy
sewed just for them. And I've found that I enjoy working at my own desk so much more when it's dressed up a bit. Surrounding myself with things that I love makes me happier to be there, and I find that I get a lot more accomplished that way.

For quite a while now, I've been wanting to do a blog hop about making items that can be used in an office, a home office, a classroom, a child's study area -- you get the idea. We spend so much time in these places where we learn and work. Why not make them beautiful?

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, it was back in 1940 when someone first coined the term "Girl Friday" to refer to "a female assistant entrusted with a wide variety of tasks." I couldn't think of a better way to describe what I do on a daily basis as I organize and accomplish the millions of tasks involved in caring for my family -- and, yes, do a little sewing along the way. And so I invite you to join us this April for the Girl Friday Sews Blog Hop. I have some wonderfully talented friends and incredibly generous sponsors coming along for the ride. Take a look...

You can also join our Flickr group at http://www.flickr.com/groups/girlfridaysews/. Email me at hjstaples@gmail.com with any questions. Help us get the word out!

Now let's kick things off with our first giveaway. I may not be Craftsy's number one fan, but I think I must be somewhere in the top ten. If you've never had the chance to visit this incredible website, drop everything you're doing and go spend at least five minutes looking around at www.craftsy.com. While you're there, I highly recommend that you sign up for their mailing list so you can stay on top of the classes they're offering. You'll find everything from knitting to quilting to cake decorating, and each of the teachers are at the top of their fields. I'm currently in the middle of three different classes, all of which I'm loving, and I can't wait to start watching their free footage from QuiltCon.

The marvelous people at Craftsy are giving away one free class valued at up to $50 for one lucky winner. Just leave me a comment telling me an item that you would love to make for your work space. A new gadget case? A work tote? Pillows for your office chair? Do tell! Followers, both old and new, get an extra entry. I'll choose a random winner on Friday morning. International entries are welcome -- just be sure that you have an email address in your comment if you're a no-reply blogger!

Well, I work in a low volume, high quality dog boarding facility...only 12 spaces. Each animal gets quality cuddle time as part of the deal. I'd love to make pillow covers! Each dog gets a big fluffy bed, but they are all kinda plain. I've made two so far and working on the rear, nice zippered covers! So, that's what I want to make for my workspace!I'm so glad I found your blog!

Sounds like fun!! I like office supplies too :o) I think I would like to make a new wrist rest for my mouse pad and/or keyboard. The ones I have a fun and squishy, but I would like something covered in a fun fabric!

love it! i just went back to work full-time (after 4 years at home) and so far i've made a quilted snack mat, scrap-covered push pins and a picture frame for my desk... i agree - so important to make it feel like home! i love that idea of a pillow for my chair, so that's my vote. thanks for the chance!

Well, I would actually like to make 2 things right away. First off is a sewing machine cover. I just never use the plain vinyl one that came with the machine, and it gets dusty, even if I DO use it. The other item is a mat type thing that would sit under my featherweight. It hangs down in front and has pockets for seam ripper, snips, etc. I love the Craftsy classes as well, ty for the chance to win.

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nice to meet you

My name is Heidi Staples, and I'm so glad you're here! I love to sew, design fabric, write sewing patterns, and spend time with my sweet family here in the Texas Hill Country. Pull up a chair, and let's visit for a while!

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You are more than welcome to share links and pictures from my blog as long as you give credit to me here at Fabric Mutt. All content of this blog is created and owned by me, Heidi Staples, unless otherwise stated. Thanks for your help!